Austerity for residents. Certainty for councillors
That is not a talking point — it is the evidence.
What follows names those who are paid, recalls the precedent they have chosen to ignore, and records the silence that now defines leadership in Shropshire.
Then vs Now: A Matter of Choice
Shropshire Council became a unitary authority on 1 April 2009. Following elections in June 2009, Keith Barrow became Leader of the newly formed authority.
By 2011, facing sustained financial pressure, the council took a politically difficult but symbolically powerful step. Councillor allowances were cut by approximately five per cent. Senior officers followed suit, accepting equivalent reductions.
It was leadership by example — restraint applied at the top.
Now: Protection at the Top
In contrast, the current administration has not proposed any reduction in councillor allowances or senior political payments, despite declaring severe financial distress and seeking approximately £72 million in Exceptional Financial Support.
Paid to Lead — Silent to Govern?
More troubling still is what appears to be an absence of engagement when serious issues are formally raised.
The Council Leader and the Cabinet Member for Planning have both been provided with detailed allegations concerning potential illegality within the Council’s Planning Department.
At the time of writing, neither has offered a substantive response.
These are not casual complaints. They are documented allegations, supplied directly to those paid to provide political oversight and leadership.
This raises an uncomfortable but unavoidable question: if senior councillors do not intervene when allegations of illegality are placed before them, what exactly are they being paid to do?
What They Are Paid (2025)
• Council Leader: £46,731.69
• Deputy Leader: £35,947.45
• Cabinet Member for Planning: £28,757.96
• Other Portfolio Holders: £28,757.96 each
• All councillors: Basic allowance £14,378.98
Expenses (In Addition)
On top of allowances, councillors may claim mileage, travel, subsistence, accommodation (up to £145 per night in London), and dependant care costs.
These payments continue irrespective of outcomes, responsiveness, or accountability.
If the £72m Does Not Arrive
Council papers set out the likely consequences:
• Deeper service cuts
• Withdrawal of non-statutory services
• Accelerated devolution to town and parish councils
• Council tax rises approaching 15%
• Increased risk of a Section 114 notice (or bankruptcy to us mere mortals)
WHO EARNS WHAT vs WHAT GETS CUT
| Role | Annual Pay | Meanwhile… |
| Council Leader | £46,731.69 | No response to allegations of planning illegality |
| Cabinet Member for Planning | £28,757.96 | No response to allegations of planning illegality |
| Deputy Leader | £35,947.45 | Residents warned of service cuts |
| All councillors | £14,378.98 | Council tax consultation up to ~15% |
Conclusion
In 2011, leadership meant restraint, visibility, and accountability.
In 2025, leadership appears to mean silence, insulation, and continuity of pay.
When allegations of illegality are ignored and allowances remain untouched, the question answers itself.
At this point, the question is unavoidable.
They are not being paid to lead. They are not paid to protect the public interest. They are not even being paid to answer.
They are being paid, it seems, simply to remain comfortable while everyone else pays the price.
And as a nod to the Chairman of the Council and a bit of fun the following lyrics:
I am the Squeaker of the County,
Gavel tight, and ego loud,
I don’t silence awkward questions —
I just squeak them out of bounds.
I chair the room with noble posture,
Rules recited, voice precise,
I call it calm and neutral conduct
When I muzzle dissent twice.
I wave the book like holy scripture,
Quote procedure as my shield,
Then rule the awkward bits “out of order”
Before the truth gets on the field.
Can you guess the tune?
Clue, a well known country singer.
The Alternative Council 